Reconciliation Government Proceeds Without Zelaya Nominees

The Verification Commission set up to oversee the implementation of the agreement's provisions is awaiting a list from Mr. Zelaya of 10 people he would like to name to the reconciliation government. However, Mr. Zelaya has said that he would not submit any names until Congress first votes to restore him to power. His interpretation of the agreement is that he would head the reconciliation government. The problem is that the agreement does not place conditions or timelines on Congress. The interpretation by both the Micheletti government and the US State Department is that all sides must abide by whatever decision Congress hands down, be it for or against reinstatement.

At a few minutes before midnight on Thursday, interim president Roberto Micheletti announced the formation of the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation, thereby adhering to the letter of the Tegucigalpa-San José Accord. Mr. Micheletti's cabinet resigned last night, opening the way for the appointment of a new cabinet consisting of individuals from various sectors of Honduran society and different political parties. The names of these individuals have not yet been made public. But the absence in the reconciliation government of representatives nominated by Mr. Zelaya or the participation of Mr. Zelaya in any way raises questions about whether this new transitional government abides by the spirit of the agreement.

Mr. Zelaya this morning referred to the reconciliation government as "a joke". He added, "We've decided not to continue with this theater of Mr. Micheletti's".